How to Make Time to Read a Book?

Every night when I go to bed, I really hope to have enough energy to read at least 10 pages of a book. I am currently reading Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. It's supposed to be an excellent book, but as usual, I am having lots of trouble reading more than 3-4 pages every night without falling sleep.

I get up at 5:30 am to do my 30-minute workout in the basement, then I take my shower, and then have to organize breakfast and lunches for our two children. I can't never leave home before 8:50 - 9:00 am. After a full day at work, we still have to organize supper and make certain that our children, especially our 4 years old is sleeping not later than 9:00 pm (which I am certain many parents probably consider very late for a 4-year old kid). Very often, I have to work on lectures for my courses or research projects until 10:30 or 11:00 pm. So, by the time that I am in bed, I only have a few minutes to read. It's a really bit frustrating because over the last months (or even year), I have started several books and have only been able to finish one. It takes too much time to finish reading a book, and I lose interest on the book.

Recently, one of my friends, suggested to get audio version of books. I have tried this and find that it works well for some books/topics, but not for others. I think that for books where details and symbols are important (e.g., Foucault's Pendulum), audiobooks are not a good option. So, unless there are other solutions (suggestions???), finding time to read some pages of the book during the day may be the only solution.

I was born in Lima (Peru) into a classic catholic family where the mother stayed home taking care of the kids, and the father was the one working outside the home. So, I am both a scientist and a catholic who believes in God. Believing in God has helped me to pass through very difficult moments in my life, including facing all kind of abuses, that I now prefer to forget.

In 1996, I completed my Ph D in biological sciences (with a specialization in ecology) from the University of Montreal. Although I had the possibility of staying in Quebec to do a post-doc and perhaps find a job there, I accepted a faculty position at the University of Prince Edward Island (Prince Edward Island) just a few days after I completed my Ph D. This was probably one of the most important decisions that I have made in my life so far.

My husband and I got married in 2010 when I was 45 years old. So, I am now the proud step-mother of a fantastic 12-years old boy (from my husband previous marriage). My son, Elijah, was born in 2009. The birth of Elijah was that final step or issue that I needed to review my life priorities and reconsider my workaholism.

So, I know now that my family is my number #1 priority. Work is very important for me for many reasons, especially because I enjoy very much teaching and the interactions with students. But, I also know that a balance between work and family is necessary for me. I cannot be a good mother or a good wife if I put 65+ hours of work per week; I simply can't. Why? Because I want to be there for my husband, kids and also for myself.

At this point of my life, 49 years old, I want to feel that I have accomplished some of my dreams and not just dedicated my life to work. I want to be present, physically and mentally, for my husband and children. I don't want to wait until I retire to enjoy and live life.

Life is short and unpredictable. This is what I have learned over the last five years. I need to live now!